WHILE most of his mates are out buying the latest chart releases teenager Andrew MacMurray is putting his heart and soul into writing his own.

A budding composer to rival musicians of the last century he has a string of compositions to his name, at just 15 years old.

Now he has won a place on a prestigious list of the UK's 'rising generation' of young composers, the top of the pops for young classical musicians.

He made his debut to an audience in London's Royal Festival Hall, on the South Bank, as part of a national collection of the country's greatest emerging talents.

Endymion, an international foundation of chamber musicians, included Andrew in a list of the UK's "most outstandingly talented" young composers, drafting in renowned musicians to play his work.

Andrew's arrival on the national stage came as no surprise to his music teacher at Wilmslow High School, Gilly Sargent.

She said: "Andrew's ability as a composer is special. It is very unusual for anyone so young to be able to write music for a string quartet with such maturity."

"This recognition is just what he deserves."

Mrs Sargent is credited with inspiring Andrew to begin composing two years ago.

She urged him to write his first piece for an inter-school music competition, which won him an outstanding achievement award and special praise from judge and professional opera singer, Jane Carpenter.

Since writing his first piece at the age of 13, Andrew has since been awarded an A* in his music GCSE, which he took two years ahead of schedule.

But Mrs Sargent is still not convinced that he will eventually take up composition as a career.

She added: "Andrew is one of those very lucky musicians that are multi-talented. His expertise as a violinist equals his skills as a composer. He plays violin for the Halle Youth and Cheshire Youth orchestras. He could go either way."

Musical genius runs through Andrew's veins. His father is a member of Halle Orchestra, who Andrew has credited as his inspiration.

Andrew started playing violin aged eight and also plays cello, piano and saxophone.

He has also written chamber music for strings, brass and wind.